Abstract: An assembly includes a receiver housing (401) defining a plurality of bays (403,404,405,406,407). Each bay can be separated by a flexible connector section (411,412,413,414). A plurality of electrochemical cells can be disposed in the plurality of bays. A first common conductor (301) can be coupled to each anode of each electrochemical cell, and a second common conductor (302) can be coupled to each cathode of the each electrochemical cell. A cover housing (402) can be coupled to the receiver housing to enclose the plurality of electrochemical cells in the plurality of bays. An exterior housing can be applied to form a wearable strap for, and to power, an electronic device (800).

Abstract: A mobile electronic device with an enhanced battery pack construction is shown. The mobile electronic device (10) includes: a housing (12) including a front housing (14) and a rear housing (16) having a reservoir area (18); a user interface (20) connected to the front housing (14); and a battery pack (22) including a planar inwardly facing surface (24) and a nonplanar outwardly facing surface (26), the nonplanar outwardly facing surface (26) being substantially complementarily configured to be received in the reservoir area (18) of the rear housing (16). Advantageously, this construction helps to provide a uniquely shaped mobile electronic device with enhanced ergonomics, adapted to be comfortably held in a user's hand and can conform to a user's palm. Advantageously, this construction is adapted to accommodating expansion and contraction of the battery pack (22), when it comprises a Lithium Ion Polymer, in one embodiment.

Abstract: A speaker-phone base for supporting a portable telephone electrical interface, in which the interface having an interface electrical power connector and an interface audio connector, includes a base member. The base member defines a portable telephone electrical interface receptacle that is shaped so as to be capable of receiving therein a portable telephone electrical interface. A base electrical power connector is disposed within the receptacle so as to electrically engage the interface power connector when the interface is placed in the receptacle. The base electrical power connector is complementary to the interface electrical power connector and electrically coupled to an electrical power source. A base audio connector is also disposed within the receptacle so as to electrically engage the interface audio connector when the interface is placed in the receptacle. The base audio connector is complementary to the interface audio connector. A speaker and a microphone are each integral with the base member.

Abstract: A speaker-phone base for supporting a portable telephone electrical interface, in which the interface having an interface electrical power connector and an interface audio connector, includes a base member. The base member defines a portable telephone electrical interface receptacle that is shaped so as to be capable of receiving therein a portable telephone electrical interface. A base electrical power connector is disposed within the receptacle so as to electrically engage the interface power connector when the interface is placed in the receptacle. The base electrical power connector is complementary to the interface electrical power connector and electrically coupled to an electrical power source. A base audio connector is also disposed within the receptacle so as to electrically engage the interface audio connector when the interface is placed in the receptacle. The base audio connector is complementary to the interface audio connector. A speaker and a microphone are each integral with the base member.

Abstract: A safety cover for a battery comprises elastic pacts fixed to the safety cover that wipe the electrical contacts of the battery to which the safety cover is attached when the safety cover is placed on or removed from the battery

Abstract: Described is a system for indicating the state of charge of a battery comprising a safety cover with an opening and a battery which can be placed in the safety cover in two orientations. One marking on the battery indicates the battery has been charged and the other marking indicates the battery has been discharged. Only one of the markings shows through the opening when the safety cover is placed on the battery in one orientation, and only the other marking shows through the marking when the safety cover is placed on the battery in the other orientation. The mnemonic system is easy to manufacture and easy to use.

Abstract: A multi-faceted energy director (15) is provided for joining two plastic workpieces (12) (14) by an ultrasonic welding method. The energy directors (15) include at least first and second facets (16) (17) arranged in perpendicular fashion, so as to engage two surfaces. A method for joining at least two ultrathin plastic pieces, including the multifaceted energy director, is also provided.

Abstract: A battery device (100) has integral circuit substrate packaging. The battery device (100) has one or more energy cells (122), and a substrate (105) having an integral battery circuit (130) electrically coupled to the one or more energy cells (122). The substrate (105) forms a housing for the one or more energy cells (122).

Abstract: A contact array (20) for electrically connecting an energy source (10) to a radio (35) and a charger (15), comprising a circuit assembly (40) having integral radio, charger, and circuit package contacts (52, 54, 56) extending from one end of the circuit assembly (40). Terminals (66) extend from a second end of the circuit assembly (40) for connecting to the energy source. A circuit package (60) is disposed adjacent the charger contacts (54) to electrically and mechanically support the contacts.

Abstract: A configurable flexible circuit substrate (100) is disclosed. The substrate (100) has an electrical circuit pattern (120) and an integral separable segment (130) containing a portion (132) of the circuit pattern (120). The substrate (100) also includes an integral extraction initiator portion (132), which is pivotable between a first position substantially planar with the surface of the substrate (100), and a second position away from the surface of the substrate (100). The extraction initiator portion (132) develops stress raisers (137) when pivoted toward the second position, and the extraction initiator portion (132) also effects a removal of the separable segment (130) from the substrate (100) when the extraction initiator portion (132) is pulled across the separable segment (130).

Abstract: A battery pack (12) for connection to an electronic product (10) having mating contacts (22, 24, 26, & 28) comprises a housing (11), an energy storage device (15) located within the housing for storing a charge, a first contact (38) and a second contact (36) coupled to the energy storage device and exposed externally from the housing. Circuitry couples to the energy storage device and provides at least the interconnection between the first and second contact and the energy storage device. Additionally, there is at least a third contact (34) exposed externally from the housing and coupled to at least one electronic device (42) within the housing. Finally, the battery pack has a connecting scheme for connecting the first and second contact of the battery pack to the product before the connection of the third contact to the mating contact on the electronic product.